BEYOND TOURISM, VELANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EMERGES AS AN INDIAN OCEAN CARGO HUB


At the heart of the Indian Ocean, a new cargo routing option is taking shape. Known as the gateway to the Maldives, Velana International Airport (MLE) is redefining its role, evolving into a reliable, network-driven transshipment hub built to support today’s increasingly complex global supply chains.


Strategically located in the Indian Ocean and supported by an extensive network and a strong portfolio of passenger carriers, MLE combines geographic advantage with expanding capacity and dependable operations, offering airlines and freight forwarders a practical alternative to congested and capacity-constrained hubs.


Built for Connectivity, Designed for Efficiency The commissioning of MLE’s new cargo terminal in 2024 marked a major advance in cargo capability. Purpose-built to support scalable sea-to-air and air-to-air operations, the facility enables smooth cargo flows through the Indian Ocean.


Supported by more than 170,000 tonnes of passenger carrier belly capacity, efficient freighter operations, and reliable 24/7 airport access, MLE offers flexible and resilient routing options when congestion or disruption affects neighboring hubs.


With Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) operating as the exclusive ground handler, MLE delivers a fully integrated service environment spanning passenger services, ramp handling, aircraft operations, and cargo processing. This ensures faster turnarounds, consistent service levels, and a single point of operational accountability.


Proven Momentum in Transshipment Growth MLE’s strategic repositioning is already delivering measurable results. In 2025, MLE handled and connected over 22,323 tonnes of outbound cargo, of which 73% comprised transshipment volumes connecting to destinations in North America and Europe. This represents a 22% year-on-year increase in transshipment traffic, reinforcing MLE’s growing significance as a reliable consolidation and redistribution hub serving key global markets.


Sea-to-Air Solutions Delivering Speed and Value MLE has adapted its cargo operations to support sea-to-air transshipment through coordinated port–airport workflows with Maldives Ports Limited, integration with multiple international carriers, and the allocation of dedicated handling capacity and uplift windows. With time and efficiency critical to sea- to-air success, MLE places strong emphasis on operational reliability and close collaboration with partners.


In 2025, sea-to-air volumes increased by 176%, serving major consumer markets including the United States and key European destinations such as Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. For shippers, this delivers faster transit times and improved cost efficiency compared to traditional all-air routings, without compromising reliability.


Expanding Capacity Through Freighter Operations Dedicated freighter operations further strengthen MLE’s cargo offering. In 2025, four freighters connected to MLE, leveraging rising transshipment demand and enhancing overall network resilience. Among these, AFCOM Freighters operated a scheduled service, providing MLE with consistent transshipment uplift from key manufacturing hubs such as CMB, MAA, and BLR.


Freighter operations contributed more than 4,300 tonnes of cargo, supported by streamlined handling processes and strong airline partnerships.


A Competitive Cargo Hub for the Indian Ocean As global supply chains evolve, airlines and freight forwarders are seeking reliable, flexible alternatives that enhance network resilience. With strategic geography, growing capacity, integrated operations, and demonstrated growth, Velana International Airport is positioning itself as a competitive transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean, ready to support long-term cargo strategies and future network expansion.


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